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A Brief Look at the Federal Government In 1972 Congress passed a law which states: The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue an airport operating certificate to a person desiring to operate an airport that serves an air carrier operating aircraft designed for at least 31 passenger seats. (49 USC 44706)

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A Brief Look at the Federal Government To implement the law passed by Congress, the appropriate department in the Executive Branch writes a regulation. FAA wrote and adopted 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 139 which applies to the certification of airports in the United States.

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The Federal Aviation Administration Is part of the Department of Transportation Is responsible for all facets of aviation safety. Major Offices in FAA: –Air Traffic –Flight Standards –Airways Facilities –Security (Enforcement only) –Airports

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FAA Office of Airports Has 9 regional offices throughout the country. Each regional office is responsible to make sure that the policy and standards of the headquarters is carried out. The regional offices have direct contact with the airport owners.

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Airports Organization

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Overview of the US Airport System Airports in the US are generally owned and operated by: –Local governments –State governments –Port Authorities –Airport Authorities –Private Entities

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Overview (contd) Civil and military airport systems are separate Only one airspace system for greater safety Dept. of Defense has about 210 airfields Roughly 16,000 military aircraft Joint use - 17 military airfields

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Airport Certification Process Airports must develop an AIRPORT CERTIFICATION MANUAL explaining how they will comply with Part 139. Airports must make application for an Airport Operating Certificate. Submit application and two copies of the Airport Certification Manual to the FAA.

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Airport Certification Process Initial Inspection to ensure compliance with procedures contained in the Airport Certification Manual. The Airport Certification Manual is approved by the FAA. The FAA issues an Airport Operating Certificate. Periodic inspections by FAA to ensure continued compliance with the regulation.

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The Periodic Inspection Airports with scheduled air carrier service – 12 months Airports with only unscheduled air carrier service – 18 months Airports certificated but no air carrier service – 24 months

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Self-Inspection Procedures Airport Operations personnel: –On the airfield every day –Need to know the requirements –Usually first to notice a problem Airport Inspectors: –On the airport only 1 time during the year –Should not find problems if the airport operations personnel do their job.

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The Airport Certification Safety Inspector Approximately 35 inspectors located throughout USA in regional offices Rotate the airports assigned every 3 years All inspectors receive basic training and annual recurrent training